Wisconsin Living Wills and Powers of Attorney for Health Care: What You Need to Know

Make a Wisconsin power of attorney for health care and declaration to physicians (living will).

Why do you need a living will and power of attorney for health care in Wisconsin?

If you become unable to direct your own medical care because of illness, an accident, or advanced age, the right legal documents are your lifeline. When you don't write down your wishes about the kinds of medical treatment you want and name someone you trust to oversee your care, these important matters can be placed in the hands of estranged family members, doctors, or sometimes even judges, who may know very little about what you would prefer.

What are health care forms called in Wisconsin?

There are two basic kinds of health care documents that everyone should make. First, you'll need a document naming a trusted person to direct your health care if you are unable to do so yourself. In Wisconsin, the official name for this form is a power of attorney for health care.

Second, you should make a document setting out the types of medical treatment you would or would not like to receive in certain situations. This document is usually known as a living will. In Wisconsin, this form is often called a declaration to physicians.

Who makes health care decisions for me in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the person you name to make decisions for you is called your health care agent. Most people name a spouse, partner, relative, or close friend as their health care agent. Under Wisconsin law, your health care agent may not be:

your health care provider or the spouse or employee of your health care provider unless he or she is related to you, or

an employee or spouse of an employee of the health care facility in which you live or are a patient, unless he or she is related to you.

What else do I need to know about choosing a health care agent in Wisconsin?

When choosing your health care agent, the most crucial criteria are trustworthiness and dependability. You might also want to choose someone you think will be good at asserting your health care wishes if others argue against them -- that is, someone who is persistent or calm under pressure.

While you need not name someone who lives in Wisconsin, the person you name should at least be willing and able to travel to your bedside if necessary.

Do I need a lawyer to make health care documents in Wisconsin?

You usually don't need a lawyer to prepare documents directing your health care. In fact, state governments have designed these forms for people to complete on their own by filling in the blanks. You can find the health care forms you need for Wisconsin in Nolo's Quicken WillMaker Plussoftware. The software includes detailed instructions for completing your documents and meets all Wisconsin legal requirements.